Yes, you can smoke airside at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Its open-air, thatched-roof (palapa) terminals have designated open-air smoking spots after security, so you can light up airside — there is no enclosed indoor smoking room.
PUJ is the Dominican Republic’s busiest airport and a major gateway for the country’s Caribbean resort coast. It is best known for its distinctive open-air palapa terminals, where naturally ventilated, thatched-roof halls replace the sealed glass-and-air-conditioning of most international airports.
Where to Smoke
Because the terminals are open-air, smoking happens at open-air spots rather than in sealed lounges. Travellers report an airside spot at Terminal B’s far-end bar/patio (past the gates) and one in Terminal A near the food court (reported near Gate 8). Treat these as traveller-reported and ask staff for the exact spot, as locations shift over time. The Dominican Republic’s tobacco law explicitly permits designated airport smoking areas. There are also outdoor smoking areas landside, outside the terminals.
Vaping
Dominican Republic law does not clearly regulate vaping, and travellers report it is tolerated in the same open-air smoking spots. Vape devices must travel in your carry-on and never in checked baggage.
Summary table
| Area | Smoking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open-air airside spots | Yes | Terminals A & B, after security, traveller-reported |
| Enclosed indoor room | No | Open-air palapa terminals |
| Outdoor landside | Yes | Areas outside the terminals |
For the Dominican Republic’s airport smoking rules and vaping law, see our Dominican Republic airport guide.